Leaving Eden

by Kelly A Walker et al.

  Parting the thick curtains in the doorway in front of me, I breathed out a heavy sigh. I didn’t bother lighting the lantern, just dropped to my knees when my feet touched the downy bed roll. Within seconds, sleep found me.

  7

  LYRA

  The light of morning greeted me behind my closed lids as I laid snug and warm, heavy from a glorious sleep. I was on my side, the fluffy pillow under my cheek still smelled faintly of lavender and chamomile. I had to hand it to Adon’s servants—were they called servants here? As uncivilized as this village was, at least it was clean and well taken care of.

  I burrowed deeper into the bedroll of down and furs, and as I did, I felt a hard warmth pressing against my bottom and back. I opened my eyes. “Gana, I pray there’s a dog sharing this bed and not—”

  “Not a dog, no.”

  Immediately, like a fire had licked me, I tried to sit up, but realized the person who had spoken had his very tight, very strong arm around my waist. I screamed instead, loudly. The arm released me, and I was quickly on my feet in seconds.

  “Dovia’s balls, woman, shut up!” Lying there, beside the empty space I had just occupied, was a man. Long, disheveled dark hair escaped the pillow that was over his head, falling lazily onto tan shoulders and a muscled back. A naked back. Wait.

  “You! The naked tree man! What are you doing in my room?” I wouldn’t say I shrieked at him, but I pretty much did.

  The curtains parted audibly in the doorway, announcing Adon’s arrival on the scene. Thank Gana I had gone to bed in a long nightgown, not something more…scandalous like I might have worn on a hot Eden night back home.

  Adon looked me over, a frown on his face, then to the bed. His blue-silver eyes darkened. “Leon, this is not your room, this is for our guest. Get out!”

  His booming voice made the naked tree man, Leon, jump and sit up. I noticed his chest was decorated with strange markings of ink, swirls and pictures of beasts and birds. He raised his hands over his ears, eyes closed, and the sheet that had covered most of his body from me, dropped to his tan thighs. I swallowed and turned away.

  “This is highly inappropriate, Forus Adon,” I said, indignant, yet all the while a deep warmth heated my face and neck.

  “Yes, yes, Lana, I know this. Leon, out. We’ll talk once you’re dressed.”

  With my head turned away, I found my robe and put in on, then heard laughter coming from the bed.

  “So I’ve served my punishment then, brother?” His voice, my insane mind noted, was like a delicacy, especially deep from sleep.

  “Lana, I apologize.” Adon’s sincere words penetrated my uncomfortable thoughts. “There must have been some confusion on my inebriated brother’s part. I assure you, I knew nothing of this.”

  Before I could say anything, I turned around and both men hurried out of the room. My eyes immediately went to Leon’s bottom and I squeaked before covering my eyes.

  I heard a smack and an “ouch” before deep laughter faded away.

  Well then. Good morning to me.

  AFTER A SMALL BREAKFAST of fruit and sweet bread that Tymus served me in the main room, I gathered my traveling bag and ventured outside. It was still quite early, which probably explained the hush around the village huts. Only a few men walked around about their business, their arms and hands busy with chores. Tymus had mentioned a bathing hole near the village river after I had inquired about where to wash-up. He had offered to escort me, but I told him I understood directions just fine.

  Thirty minutes into my walk I realized I must have missed a turn. My legs were starting to ache, my body still not fully recovered from yesterday and the traveling. Sighing, I sat on a log nearby and put down my bag.

  Before this trip to the Wildlands, I had never been away from city comforts. I had imagined that I’d find it abhorrent, the bugs and lack of amenities. But the truth was, the forest and sounds of raw nature soothed me. I felt free and calm. Closer to Gana than I had since I was a child.

  Closing my eyes, I lifted my head and inhaled the sweet smells around me. Pine and soil, wildflowers, moss. And water. Opening my eyes, I grabbed my bag and let my nose lead me. A few minutes later, I found the watering hole.

  The water was a crystal-clear aquamarine bordered by white granite boulders, perfect for privacy and sunbathing. I dropped my bag onto one of them, and dug out my soiled clothing, intending to wash them and hang them in the morning sun to dry. I undressed quickly, laying my parame robe reverently on a different boulder, away from any water or dirt, and found my bar of soap.

  As soon as I stepped into the water, all my tension from the past few days washed away. I threw my bundle of clothing and soap on the bank at the water’s edge and dove straight down, my eyes closed, my soul singing. After washing my body and hair a good long while, I sat on the bank, naked and content, the sun warming my shoulders as I scrubbed away the grime from my tunics and underthings. Once that was done, I set everything out to dry and hopped back into the water for another dip.

  It wasn’t long until I heard giggling. Either there were ducks nearby or children. I was floating on my back, but at the sound, I flipped over and looked toward the boulders where I’d laid out my clothes. Four little heads poked out from behind the giant slab of granite. Not sure whether to be annoyed or happy at the sight of seeing healthy children in a village wracked with illness, I waited, the water lapping above my breasts.

  One little head whispered something to another head, and before I knew it, maniacal laughter filled the air, their peals following their owners’ departure, along with my clothing.

  “Why those little brats!” I splashed the water with both palms, regretting it instantly when it hit me in the face. With a deep breath, I pulled on my inner calm. Alright, so I was alone and naked. No clothes or towel. No one to send for something to cover me.

  I’d have to walk. Naked. Through the village.

  Lovely.

  I wasn’t a prude. My modesty was, in my opinion, quite balanced with most Sarians. I wasn’t ashamed of my body, by any means, but that didn’t mean that just anyone under the sun had a right to see it in its unclothed glory!

  Pausing, I considered my options. I could wait, see if the children came back. Perhaps they’re feeling guilty already. I shook my head. I had a feeling that privacy and decorum weren’t praised in Forus Adon’s citizens, if his brother’s behavior of sleeping naked next to a woman he barely knew was any indication.

  My temper starting to rise, I walked out of the water and wrung out my hair before stomping with as much grace as I could toward the tabernacle. It was time to have a few words with “sire.”

  8

  ADON

  “So she’s real, then?” Leon sipped from a cup of bonderberry juice and looked out toward the huts.

  It had been six weeks since I’d seen my childhood friend Leon in pants, not to mention his wayward hair combed and pulled back in a leather thong. It eased something inside of me to see him back in his position, that of Man of Arms, my commander and brother. Not by blood, of course, but more. Forged by time and the hunt, by the sweat and the bitter gheus we sipped at his hasdan eight years ago.

  He wasn’t fully returned yet, however. The dark void still hovered in his eyes. His jaw tight, his shoulders stiff. But he’d do. Leon was a passionate man, loyal and true, but other than disciplining him as his leader, there was nothing I could do to help him. Only he could do that.

  “A real as-I-live-and-breath Sarian, yes,” I answered, crossing my arms over my chest.

  Leon grunted. “What’s she like?”

  Rubbing my jaw, I looked over toward the huts as well. I wasn’t sure what to think of the little golden-haired firebird. Beautiful, stubborn, removed. “She’s different. Definitely foreign.”

  “Think she can help us keep this illness from taking more of our people?” Leon sat the cup down on the stone balustrade at our back. We had come out front to wait for Jonah to meet us. Already, Advisor Cant’s woman h
ad informed me that her husband was on the mend. Tymus had also reported Molly’s girl was recovering. No new reports of illness, thank Dovia, but it was still early.

  “Only if she’s rested enough. She’s pretty stubborn.” Without my wanting to, I grinned. Leon caught it and raised an eyebrow. I was about to enlighten him but heard murmurs from the people around the well and barn.

  “What’s going on?” Leon stepped closer to get a better look, and that’s when I saw her.

  Regal, tall, and filled with so much self-importance it wouldn’t surprise me if she was the lost Queen of the Twins and Realm themselves. Creamy, pearlesque skin that shined like a torch in the night. Long legs, ample hips, nipped waist, and high breasts. Her golden hair was wet and hung in a rope like silver over her left shoulder, not doing a damn thing to cover the rosy nipples that had my mouth watering.

  “Dovia’s Incarnation, is that—” I heard Jonah speak nearby.

  “Yep, sure is,” answered Leon. I could hear the grin in his words, and for some reason, that made me angry. I wanted to say something, anything, but I couldn’t speak even if I were at knife point.

  As she walked on, oblivious to my people watching her like she was some miraculous apparition sent by Dovia’s Servant of Pleasure, never once did she give any indication that she was naked. Each step was sure and full of purpose.

  My cock stirred and my blood pounded in my ears. What the hell was she doing? Where the hell were her clothes?

  “So why is she naked? I think I missed that part. Is she serving penance like I was?” Leon asked nonchalantly, like he wasn’t really interested in hearing the answers. “When I saw her arrive yesterday, she was dressed. Maybe it’s a healing thing.”

  I turned to look at him. “You saw her yesterday when she arrived?”

  He shrugged and nodded. “I was scavenging. Greeted her and brought Her Highness here.” A smirk told me that he had the woman’s measure, all right.

  “And then conveniently woke up in bed with her this morning, naked, I might add.” I gave him a reproachful look.

  “What?” Jonah moved in front of me, his face tight and eyes wide. “You did what?”

  “Calm down, brother. Drunken mistake is all.” Leon waved him away and turned his eyes back to our Sarian.

  Our Sarian. Yes, for now she was ours. I shrugged and looked at Jonah. “Nothing happened, Second. Cool your anger.”

  Jonah let out a sigh. “I’m not angry, just… why is she naked? And stop looking at her, Leon! You too, Adon.”

  I turned back around and hollered to Tymus who hovered by the window inside, probably covering his eyes from the sacrilege of witnessing a Sarian in the nude.

  “Yes, sire?”

  “Bring me a robe please.”

  With a praise to Dovia, I heard the little man run off to my rooms. When I turned around, the Sarian stood before us, stoic and calm.

  “Forus Adon, Second, and…” she paused on Leon, probably not even recognizing him now that he was dressed and presentable.

  “Commander Leon, pleasure.” Beside me, Leon bowed in mock greeting. I rolled my eyes.

  Soft cloth was thrown into my hand, and I realized it was the robe I’d asked for. Averting my gaze, I handed it out to Lana.

  “Thank you.” With iron-clad strength in her voice, she accepted the robe as if I’d handed her a drink. Once she was properly covered, she cleared her throat. “Four children stole my clothing. I’d like them back as soon as possible.”

  Tymus gasped somewhere behind me. Leon laughed, and Jonah coughed.

  “Excuse me if I don’t find this amusing, sire.” Her blue eyes burned with animosity, turning them into two blue flames that drew my balls up, and at the same time, set my pulse raising. “I shall be in my room. Once my clothes have been returned, we will continue healing your sick.”

  She walked past us then, as if we were nothing but the dirt on her boots.

  “Well, that was interesting,” Jonah said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Who wants to chase down the little thieves?”

  Leon looked over his shoulder, throwing a look of curiosity at the door Lana had just entered. “I think I’ll stay here—”

  “Not a chance, Leon. Let’s go.” I grabbed him by the neck and pushed him forward. “Find Uta, Jonah, and ask her to outfit our Sarian. She needs more clothes.”

  He laughed as Leon and I went hunting for four bored children.

  9

  LYRA

  “Nothing?” I asked gently, feeling the young man’s glands under his jaw. His eyes were clear, no longer glassy and red, and his breathing was normal.

  “Nothing.” The smile he gave me warmed my heart, and I felt the hands of Gana upon my soul.

  I patted his shoulder and stood. “Lots of fluids, a bit more rest. I also want you to go outside in the sun for a short time tomorrow, say… twice a day until I visit again.”

  “The sun, miss?” He laid back down, still a bit weak. The weakness would be there for a while yet. I could heal the body of the illness, rewrite the body’s original health back to its pre-illness days, but I couldn’t recover for them. That they had to do on their own.

  I nodded and grabbed the pitcher on the bedside table, pouring him some water into a cup. “Drink. Yes, the sun has natural healing abilities, but only when the body has been cleansed of sickness.”

  He drank, his gaze going to his father and Jonah, who stood at the doorway watching me.

  The boy’s father came immediately in front of me, and to my horror, dropped to his knees. “Can’t thank ya enough, Lana Sarian. If there’s anything you be needin’, you send Sire and I’ll provide.”

  Eyes wide, I nodded. “Yes, well. Yes. Please, stand up.” Clearing my throat, I sent Second Jonah a pleading look. The blond tilted his head, confused, until I narrowed my eyes at him.

  “Ah…Come on now, Edwert.” Jonah finally moved to the father’s side and assisted him up by the hand. “Why don’t you get some fresh linen from Ruthy’s hut and change out Brine’s sheets here?” Motioning to the sheets, he smiled at the man.

  The man nodded, looking lost for a moment. “Oh. Yes, I’ll do that! Be right back, Brine.” He smiled at me, showing perfectly white teeth, and ran out of the hut.

  I flashed one more smile Brine’s way, and sent a special prayer to the Mother, thanking Her for aiding in the boy’s recovery. It was times like these, when the ill recovered, that reminded me to be ever thankful for my gifts. I realized then, standing there in this poor boy’s hut—in the Wildlands, a week’s journey away from home—that this was my purpose. Healing, not just acquiring accolades and wisdom, but helping Gana’s children.

  I wondered why it was only now just occurring to me. It was something I wanted to think more on later.

  We said our goodbyes to the young Brine and made our way to the next sick bed. I had been here for four days now, having healed over twenty-two villagers. My energy had fully returned after resting the day of the water hole incident. That night, when I had returned to my rooms from having dinner, several white linen tunics and a nightshirt had been folded on the bed. I didn’t bother inquiring where they had come from, probably Tymus, Gana bless him.

  “We’ll stop for the day after this next visit,” Jonah said as we walked over a few small puddles from last night’s rain. “We missed lunch, and I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”

  I looked up at him, hearing the grin in his tone. His soft brown eyes met mine, and my stomach did a flip, along with my feet, apparently. Before I could right myself, Jonah’s strong hand gripped my forearm, balancing me.

  “Uh… thank you.” I looked at my feet, cursing them for almost failing me as he released me.

  Jonah laughed. “Quite alright, Lana.”

  Ugh. These men.

  “Ah, there you are.” Leon said, coming out of nowhere and making me jump.

  Jonah and I stopped as Leon, no longer Naked Tree Man, smacked the Second on the arm.

  “Adon
needs you, Jonah. Something about a plant.” At our curious looks, he added, “Dovia if I know what the hell he’s talking about. Just go find out.”

  I looked at Jonah as he rubbed the back of his neck, something he did when he felt indecisive, I’d discovered.

  “She’ll be fine. I’ll go with her.” Leon’s feline smile heated my cheeks, and when he threw me a wink, he knew I wasn’t fooled by him. He knew exactly how to make me uncomfortable.

  Jonah sighed. “Alright. Lana hasn’t eaten lunch, so after visiting Tia, bring her back to the tabernacle.” Jonah turned to me and his eyes softened. “See you soon. Send Leon to get me if you need me.”

  Leon scoffed. “Should I be offended here?”

  Ignoring him, I smiled at Jonah, who shook his head. I told him I would send for him if needed. Jonah was a good man, safe and soothing as a nice cool day—unlike his companion Leon.

  As soon as he left, awkwardness ensued. I was still hesitant at being around him ever since I’d discovered him in my room that morning. Something about him just rubbed me the wrong way.

  “So, how are you liking it here, Lyra?” Leon asked as we started walking.

  Startled by hearing my—real—name, and the fact he’d been the first and only person to call me that since I’d been here, I almost tripped again. Instead of grabbing my forearm like Jonah had, though, Leon pulled me closer to him, his arm around my waist.

  With my fingers embedded into his thick wrist, I ripped his arm from me and turned to give him my most menacing look. “What is wrong with you? Why do you enjoy provoking me? Whether with words or your… your whatever…” I gestured to his body, shaking my head. I picked up the pace, not waiting for an answer.

  “Ah. That. Find me handsome, do you?” He was right by my side again, catching up to me. “Titillating perhaps?”